Davarim-Chap-18-Vs-9-18
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Chapter 18:9-18.
Covering evils such as:.
‘divination’, ‘sorcery’, ‘witchcraft’,
and ‘necromancy’
With
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
The two verses below are vital to our beloved original
Faith, for tragically, that Faith has drifted far from its roots and its source
prior the destruction of בֵּית
הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
הַשֵּׁנִי - the Second Temple, and then the occultic “Zohar” was written,
but not yet published, until it became part of the mystical and sadly an
occultic “Kabbalah”, which melted into the Talmud, and so much more!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that
ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה (the LORD) your אֱלֹהִים - Elohim
which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS).
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the
Word of our אֱלֹהִים -
Elohim shall stand Forever”. Yeshayahu - Isaiah 40:8. (JPS).
Introduction:
Tragically our beloved Torah lists a number of practices such as ‘divination’, ‘sorcery’, ‘witchcraft’, and ‘necromancy’, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (god) calls them all “abominations!”
Throughout history, prayer has served as a profound means of communication, an opportunity to connect with אֱלֹהִים - Elohim and to seek comfort, guidance, and support. However, the Torah provides specific teachings regarding our prayer, including a directive that might surprise some: “Do not pray to the dead.” This verse raises important questions about the nature of prayer, our relationship with יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים - YHVH Elohim, and the cultural practices surrounding remembrance of the deceased. In this study, we will explore the context of this admonition, its theological implications, and how it can inform contemporary religious practice!
Below is the passage I am referring to and on this page I will be using the “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS) 1917 translation, and we will read Davarim - Deuteronomy 18:9-13. (JPS).
“When thou art come into the land which the יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - (the LORD thy God) giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one that uses divination, a soothsayer, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or one that consulteth a ghost or a familiar spirit, or a necromancer. For whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto יְהוָה – (the LORD); and because of these abominations יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - (the LORD thy God) is driving them out from before thee. Thou shalt be whole-hearted with יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ – (the LORD thy God)”.
These verses are part of the Torah’s strong condemnation of occult practices, emphasizing that such acts are not only forbidden but considered detestable.
Here is a deeper look into how Rabbinic Judaism’s tradition views practices like divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and necromancy, and why they’re so strongly condemned in the Torah.
Torah’s Prohibition of Occult Practices:
The Torah explicitly forbids a wide range of supernatural and occult practices:
Divination (kosem) - Seeking knowledge of the future through omens or rituals.
Soothsaying (me’onen) - Using astrology or timing to predict outcomes.
Enchanting (menachesh) - Interpreting signs or coincidences as messages.
Sorcery (mekhashef) - Performing magical acts or spells.
Incantation (chover) - Using chants or charms to influence events.
Mediums (shoel ov) – Consulting spirits or ghosts.
Necromancy (doresh el hameitim) - Attempting to communicate with the dead.
The above are listed in Deuteronomy 18:9–13, Leviticus 19:31, and Exodus 22:17, and are described as to’eivah – abominations!
Why Are These Practices Forbidden?
The Torah’s rejection of occultism is rooted in several core ideas...
Spiritual purity: These practices are linked to idolatry and impurity.
Trust in אֱלֹהִים (God): Seeking supernatural shortcuts undermines faith in divine providence.
Moral clarity: Magic often involves manipulation, coercion, as well as deception.
Avoiding spiritual danger: Engaging with spirits or forces outside of אֱלֹהִים (God’s) will is seen as opening oneself to harm.
Historical Context:
Ancient Egypt was considered a center of magical practice. We are told:
Pharaoh’s magicians tried to replicate Moses’ miracles during the plagues, but ultimately failed, acknowledging the “finger of אֱלֹהִים” (Exodus 8:15).
I pray that the above has revealed to you, what is wrong with a Zohar based Kabbalah is, for it is anti Torah!
REMEMBER what Davarim - Deuteronomy 18:9-13,
so clearly told us?
“When thou art come into the land which the יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - (the LORD thy God) giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one that useth divination, a soothsayer, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or one that consulteth a ghost or a familiar spirit, or a necromancer. For whosoever doeth these things is an abomination unto יְהוָה – (the LORD); and because of these abominations יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ - (the LORD thy God) is driving them out from before thee. Thou shalt be whole-hearted with יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ – (the LORD thy God)”.
We need to realise that certain rabbis of the past have in many ways altered the principles of our faith, and destroyed big parts of our faith, and thus they are ‘an abomination!
We need to return to our original and precious Hebraic faith that stands solely on our beloved Tanakh!
Without all that, today we are living in a man made a rabbinical created faith and we have been forced into what is today’s “Rabbinic Judaism!” However, historically we were always known as “Hebrews” and “Israelites”! We need to remember that we are a people of Twelve Tribes and the Tanakh proves that all twelve Tribes were in Judea, prior the destruction of the בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ הַשֵּׁנִי - “The Second Temple”!
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In Conclusion, a Question to Deepen the Conversation:
Which part of this Tanach study or possibly a particular line or
statement within it has touched you the most? And how do you feel
about spending more time studying our beloved Tanakh? I pray that you are doing
well as a faithful Hebrew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are upholding as many as
possible of our blessed Mitzvoth’s?
I am well aware that the modern world sadly contains too many
deviations as well as problems that seem to get in the way of
our Hebrew lifestyle. Yet worse than that, these days there are far too many
enticements, which can so easily throw many off track,
and I know that has happened far too much. Thus, if there are struggles
that are taking place in your life, be it at this or at any time, I am well
aware that sadly it can often have a terrible and a cruel effect upon your
life?
Dear reader, please remember this, pray for peace and solitude in
your life, and then work on keeping as calm as possible and learn to improve
your life, for אֱלֹהִים, בָּרוּךְ
אֱלֹהִים - Bless Elohim, He is always there
and ready to help and guide you!
This site was originally set up for those who needed to return to our
blessed and wonderful faith, thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at
least three times a day, and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via a
number of our prophets...
“Return unto Me,
and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat
Shalom!
אֲנִי
יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה
(the LORD your God); walk in My statutes,
and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall
be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - YaHVaH
Elohim”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;
“The More Torah, the More Life”,
For our Elohim is the One who
gave us our ... Life!
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom (Peace) of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה(the LORD
of hosts) be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your
daily תְּפִלָּה - Te’fee’lah’s (Prayers) and
regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!
If you need help I can send you special printed items to help you with
your Ivrit - Hebrew that you may need, etc! Just email me (using the link
further below) and I will send it to you, without any follow up or requests
from me.
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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